Tomorrow won’t be the first time Del Zotto (1G, 3A) has been scratched by new head coach Alain Vigneault. The 23-year-old also sat and watched Oct. 19 in New Jersey. But that came after he’d missed a Rangers victory with the flu and Vigneault didn’t want to mess with a winning lineup.

Del Zotto apparently wasn’t surprised to learn he’d be watching from the press box in Montreal, given his playing time has been on the decline. On Tuesday, he was on the ice for only 16:09 versus the Devils. An offensive defenseman, it’s worth pointing out he has just one assist in 43:09 of power-play time.

I was actually joking when I said it, but I don’t see why trades like that don’t happen more often. two under-performing (OK, that’s debatable) players, each with their own sporadically displayed good traits that are overshadowed by their bad traits being swapped by teams to benefit from that trade bump guys normally get with a new home. I mean, in this case, I’m sure the cap hit would factor in quite a bit, but there’s probably cases out there where that would work as a good trade for both teams.

Hard to deny at this point that Del Zotto’s days with the Rangers are numbered. I wonder where he’ll end up… does a trade for Edmonton for Eberle straight up make sense? Otherwise does he go to Florida for one of the pieces they’re unloading as they clean house?

Wow, ask an honest question meant to provoke thought and debate and get thumbed down for it. Does anybody have anything constructive to say or if you all do chime in, will it just resort to name calling?

I’m surprised. I really don’t think he’s been that bad. He tries to engage in the offense and should be exactly what AV wants. Certainly seems to be giving more than Stralman and/or Moore, who I also think should be in the lineup night in and night out. Obviously the Rangers arent your average defensive team though with McDonagh, Girardi and Staal.

The Rangers have had a more balanced D this year too, not relying on Girardi/McDonagh/Staal for 25 minutes each and having a 6th D man, Eminger or Bickel or Gilroy only playing 5 minutes in the first half of the game and then sitting unless they have a huge lead.

stakex - Nov 15, 2013 at 4:04 PM

I know I’m in the minority among Rangers fans, but I always liked Del Zotto. I’m still not entirely sure why so many Rangers fans hate the guy. Sure he makes some mistakes with the puck, and he’s off to a slow start when it comes to offensive production… but he hasn’t been awful ether. I’d much rather see him in the lineup then Justin Falk.

I was hesitant to give up on him but you can only be patient with a player for so long. In not expecting him to play like he’s in his prime at his age but SOME improvement would be nice. Instead he’s regressing. I’m hesitant to call him an offensive defenseman. He’s more of an athletically gifted defenseman. He can skate with anyone. But his outlet passes seem to lead to more turnovers than scoring chances and he can’t get the puck on the net to save his life. That’s not an offensive defenseman in my book. And he’s easily been or worst defensively as well. I understand a lefty playing the right side is less than ideal but with only 1 in 3 defensemen being right handed, plenty of other guys are doing it successfully. And to me he seems like he’s already checked out of NY. Like he’s packed his bags and just waiting for a call from Slats. Much rather see him moved for someone who can help us. Preferably a right handed D.